Remembering Littleborough’s Fallen Soldiers

For the past four years Bernard Pratt from Littleborough History and Archaeological Society has been sending Rochdale Online articles about Littleborough’s fallen soldiers and servicemen from World War One.

Each month Bernard sent us a list of those who had died in the war, details of where they lived, family members, work, hobbies and in some cases a photo of the serviceman.

Just before the 100-year Armistice commemorations six more soldiers were added to the Cenotaph at Littleborough who had previously not been listed.

• www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/124055/six-local-heroes-added-to-littleborough-war-memorial

Bernard Pratt said: “I believe that they were added because of the Society’s research and my pressure, but that the impact of over four years of reporting the soldiers has had a marked effect.

“Rochdale Online has been a consistent supporter being, actively and continuously involved in that effective reporting and thus is, I believe, right and proud, as I am, of getting these local heroes remembered.

“I do know that it is also appreciated by family members.”

Pauline Journeaux, Managing Director of Rochdale Online said: “Reporting on these servicemen has, at times, not been easy, their stories, ages, how their deaths affected their families was painful to read and report.

“Having said that, we have been astonished at how often we have been contacted by family members from across the globe who have been asking for more information.

“Each year a team from Rochdale Online attend the four main Remembrance services across the borough, and we have seen the numbers attending the parades and services increase year by year.

“When we first started reporting there would be a handful of people at the service in Rochdale town centre.

“Now there are thousands attend every service round the borough, marking a huge shift in residents’ recognition of the debt the country owes to those who have died, not just in World War One and Two, but all wars, and still giving their lives today.”

Littleborough Soldiers who fell 1914 -18:

• www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/news-archives?Page=1&type=News&Criteria=Littleborough%20Cenotaph&SearchType=Phrase&CatID=

Private Edward Holt, the first Littleborough serviceman to be killed during the First World War:

• www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/91853/private-edward-holt-to-be-commemorated-by-littleborough-history-centre

There will be one final report in December for Littleborough World War One soldiers who died in December 1918.